On Tuesday, celebrity lawyer and #Resistance hero Michael Avenatti announced his departure from representing porn star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.
According to Avenatti, his team informed Daniels of the split in February.
“On February 19, we informed Stormy Daniels in writing that we were terminating our legal representation of her for various reasons that we cannot disclose publicly,” said Avenatti in a statement. “This was not a decision that we made lightly and it came only after lengthy discussion, thought and deliberation, as well as consultation with other professionals.”
Daniels, who claims she had unprotected vaginal sex with Donald Trump shortly after Melania Trump gave birth to their son Barron, did not address Avenatti by name but did make an announcement regarding her new representation about an hour before Avenatti’s statement was released.
“I have retained Clark Brewster as my personal lawyer and have asked him and his firm to review all legal matters involving me. Upon completion of Mr. Brewster’s review and further consultation with me, I anticipate Mr. Brewster will serve as my primary counsel on all legal issues,” wrote Daniels.
Last week, Daniels took a blow when her “hush money” lawsuit concerting Trump was dismissed. The Daily Wire reported:
“In December, a judge ordered porn star Stormy Daniels to pay nearly $300,000 in legal fees after her frivolous defamation suit against the president was thrown out. On Thursday, another judge dismissed another lawsuit Daniels filed against Trump, this one asking to be released from the infamous nondisclosure agreement she signed in 2016 promising not to discuss her alleged one-night affair with Trump years ago.”
Daniels is day-old goods to Avenatti. The celebrity lawyer has recently signed on to represent a man who’s been described as a “whistleblower” in the alleged sex crimes of R&B star R. Kelly.
“My client knows the identity of the girl and R. Kelly,” said Avenatti, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “He identified the two of them on the videotape. He worked for and has known R. Kelly for decades, and he met the girl on a number of occasions.”
The attorney claimed last month that he had video footage of the superstar “engaging in multiple sexual assaults of a girl underage.”
“In response to press inquiries, attached is a stmt regarding our work on the R. Kelly matter since April, including the discovery of new critical video evidence establishing his guilt. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that this predator is brought to justice,” said Avenatti in a Twitter post on February 14.